Invisible edge solid substrate compensation layer for automotive glazing

Abstract

Vehicle glazing, which once served just to provide for vision and protect from the elements, has been taking on new functions as the complexity and functionality of modern automobiles has evolved. Performance films and interlayers are often used to add to and enhance the functionality of laminates. These functions include solar control, sound dampening, head up display and variable light transmittance. Recent advances have made it possible to produce electronic circuits on thin transparent substrates that are essentially invisible under normal lighting conditions. While these circuits can be inserted into the laminate and successfully laminated, the edges of the circuit insert are prone to objectionable aesthetics due to mismatch between the substrate and the interlayer index of refraction, thickness and color. The present invention compensates the edge of the solid insert by providing a sheet of a compatible compensation material that the substrate of the insert and which extends to at least the black band or the edge of glass of the laminate making the insert edge essentially invisible.

Description

technical field [0001] The present application relates to the field of automotive laminated glass (laminated glass). Background technique [0002] In recent years, with the evolution of modern automobiles in terms of complexity and function, motor vehicle glass (glazing), which was once only used to provide vision and shelter from wind and rain, has begun to take on new functions. For example, functional films, glass compositions, interlayers, and coatings are commonly used to increase and enhance the functionality of automotive glass. These features include, but are not limited to, solar control, sound insulation, heads-up display (HUD), and variable light transmittance. [0003] Recent advances have made it possible to produce electronic circuits on thin transparent substrates. Under normal lighting conditions, these electronic circuits are largely invisible. These circuits are produced by various methods known in the art and specific to the type of circuit and product ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] Although this method can be used to successfully produce laminates, the problem is that in most cases the inserts are not so large that their edges are covered by the trim

[0010] Edges of inserts tend to detract from aesthetics due to mismatches in index of refraction, thickness, and color between the substrate of the insert and the plastic interlayer

Although the color of the plastic interlayer can be changed, the refractive index cannot be changed

Also, plastic interlayers are only available in a limited number of standard thicknesses

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